Looking for a rewarding day hike or a relaxed overnight tramping trip in Marlborough? The Mt Sunday and Mt Riley Loop in Mount Richmond Forest Park offers native beech forest, subalpine flora, rugged schist rock formations, and sweeping mountain views.
Fast Facts
- Location: Richmond Forest Park, Marlborough, New Zealand
- Topo50 Map: BQ 27 Rai Valley, BQ28 Havelock
- Distance/times: 6 – 8 hr | 1,541m | 13km
- Duration:1 day or relaxed overnight trip
- Direction: Clockwise due to climbing up steeper/gnarlier sections first and Mt Sunday Biv for water as there are no other water sources. Descent from Mt Riley is more gradual.
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate due to elevation gained, steep terrain. Very well marked trail
- Start / Finish: Davies Road (Follow Northbank Rd for 5km, Onamalutu Rd for 7km, turn into Briggs Road then onto Davies Rd). Closest town – Renwick.
- Huts: Mt Sunday bivvy (2 bunks) with water tank
- Best Season: Any time of year although in winter snow may be present
- Dogs: Yes, with DoC permits only
- Other trips in Richmond Forest Park: Pelorous Track, Richmond Range Alpine Traverse, Lake Chalice & Old Man Hut
Starting at Onamalutu Campsite
After spending the night camping at the scenic Onamalutu Reserve campsite, Emily, Illona, and I set out for a day trip around the Mt Sunday/Mt Riley loop. We decided to tackle the trail in a clockwise direction, heading up towards Mt Sunday first.
The track kicked off with a steep initial climb through pine forest before transitioning into native beech forest.
Climbing to Mt Sunday
As we gained elevation, the lush beech forest gave way to subalpine plants, where the trail began climbing over exposed schist rock. Although the rocky terrain slowed our pace slightly, this section quickly became one of my favourite parts of the loop.
I enjoyed the schist rock formations and the beautiful Mountain Cedar trees.
Reaching the summit of Mt Sunday, we were treated to clear, expansive views stretching across to the Inland Kaikōura Range. The prominent peaks of Tapuae-o-Uenuku, Mt Alarm, Mt Gladstone, and Mitre were visible on the horizon.
Mt Sunday Bivvy
From the summit, we dropped into a small clearing below to stop for lunch at Mt Sunday Bivvy. This cozy, tidy bivouac would be a great place to spend a night. I think we all wished we were staying!
Mt Riley & the Descent
After lunch, the trail traversed back into the bush before opening up just before the summit of Mt Riley, easily recognized by its large telecommunications tower.
The descent down from Mt Riley was pleasantly craggy and steep at the start—great fun to negotiate—before dropping back down into dense beech forest. Towards the end of the loop, we made an easy crossing over a tributary of the Ōhinemahuta River. This stream is straightforward to cross under normal conditions, though it could become impassable after prolonged heavy rainfall.
At the car I pulled out my gingerbread dinosaurs I had baked at home. Dinosaurs turn up in all sorts of places……
